Abstract:

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia(IDA) and its risk factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. SETTING: A peri-urban health centre in Nairobi, Kenya. SUBJECTS: Four hundred and three children, aged six months to six years. INTERVENTION: Demographic data were obtained and each child examined for signs of iron deficiency anaemia. Blood was drawn for haemoglobin determination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia was made using a pre-defined criteria. RESULTS: Iron deficiency anaemia had a prevalence of 7.4% (95% CI = 4.8-10.0) and was predominantly mild (93.6%). Age was found to be significantly associated with iron deficiency anaemia with a prevalence of (14.6%) in infants. No association was found between IDA and sex, birthweight, weaning age and weaning diet, sanitation, water source or mother's education. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in this health facility was relatively low and was predominantly mild.

PIP: This cross-sectional survey, conducted in a periurban health center in Nairobi, Kenya, determined the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and its risk factors among 403 children aged 6 months to 6 years. Demographic data were obtained and each child was assessed for signs of IDA. Blood was drawn for hemoglobin determination. The diagnosis of IDA was made using predefined criteria. Findings revealed that the prevalence of IDA was 7.4% (95% confidence interval = 4.8-10.0) and was predominantly mild (93.6%). Age was found to be significantly associated with IDA, with a 14.6% prevalence rate in infants. No association was found between IDA and factors such as sex, birth weight, weaning age and weaning diet, sanitation, water source, or education of the mother. Although the study showed that IDA was not a major health problem in the area, as evidenced by the low prevalence rate and presence of only mild cases, there is still a need for emphasis on health education at the health facility since young children are at high risk of IDA.